Use this excerpt from “Araby” by James Joyce to answer the question. Some distant lamp or lighted window gleamed below me. I was thankful that I could see so little. All my senses seemed to desire to veil themselves and, feeling that I was about to slip from them, I pressed the palms of my hands together until they trembled, murmuring: “O love! O love!” many times. What effect does the use of personification have on this excerpt? (1 point) Responses It shows the reader how the narrator feels physically. It shows the reader how the narrator feels physically. It helps the reader imagine the sound of the narrator’s voice. It helps the reader imagine the sound of the narrator’s voice. It helps the reader imagine the setting of the excerpt. It helps the reader imagine the setting of the excerpt. It shows the reader how nervous and anguished the narrator is.

Answer 1

The use of personification in this excerpt primarily shows the reader how nervous and anguished the narrator is. By attributing desires to the narrator's senses—expressing a wish to "veil themselves"—the excerpt conveys a sense of fragility and emotional turmoil. The act of pressing his hands together until they tremble, along with the repeated murmuring of "O love! O love!" further emphasizes the internal struggle and desperation he feels, highlighting his anguish in that moment. Therefore, the most fitting response is:

It shows the reader how nervous and anguished the narrator is.